Theatre

William Peace Theatre empowers students to pursue careers in the fine arts as independent, self-assessing artists.

Our B.A. in Theatre features intense, specialized and synchronized curriculums. These programs were designed in accordance with the guidelines and standards established by NAST and ATHE to insure the best possible career training and success.

Both the B.A. in Theatre and the B.F.A. in Musical Theatre are taught within Theatre Department. This powerful synergy offers students specialized and focused training they need without bouncing between two different programs. Our teachers have vast professional and academic experience and continue to work in the professional theatre. Students benefit from decades' of professional relationships with theatres, directors, casting agencies, agents, voice teachers, coaches, choreographers and directors in places like London, New York and Las Vegas.

Our productions and students have been nominated for various awards over the years, including: Top Ten List by Spectator Magazine, multiple Raleigh News & Observer Top Ten Lists, Best Comic Actress by Roberts Reviews, consistently ranked and reviewed by the Independent Weekly. Additionally, we have been awarded countless grants to write and produce original pieces, including: Dreaming in Color written by students and alumni in conjunction with playwright Barbara Lebow; adaptation for the stage of Charles Dickens Dombey and Son by Dickens scholar Elliot Engel; Better Late Than Ever; On the Other Side; Far and True; Tartuffe, the Rock Musical.

Students have gone on to New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, Wilmington and other cities to pursue professional careers in theatre, film and television. WPU alumni have also gone on to study at schools like The Juilliard School, Harvard, American Academy of Dramatic Art and Virginia Commonwealth.

WPU students are fully prepared for graduate school or to step directly into the professional arena of theatre and musical theatre when they graduate. We will help you develop the tools, skills and connections you need to succeed.

When you graduate, you will be a confident, marketable, self-assessing artist and be fully prepared to go to graduate school or to step directly into the professional arena and the exciting world of theatre.